Backup point role is up for grabs

Bucks coach Scott Skiles made it clear in his comments after practice on Tuesday.

Luke Ridnour will be the starting point guard, barring injury, when the regular season opens next week in Chicago.

The backup spot?

There's no clear leader between veteran Tyronn Lue and second-year pro Ramon Sessions, and Charlie Bell also could be thrown in the mix at the point.

"Luke does a nice job running the offense," Skiles said. "We need more out of the two primary backups, there's no doubt about that. It's nice to have Charlie Bell back; it's a role he also can play.

"I'm not real concerned about that position. We're asking an awful lot out of Ramon; we're asking him to learn a lot in a short period of time. Basically, he's a rookie."

Lue was hampered by an injury early in training camp but said he is starting to feel better.

"My body is coming around now, and I'm getting in better shape," Lue said. "My weight is down, and I'm starting to get my legs. My shot has been short lately. As long as I can get in shape, that's all I'm really worried about and I know my game will be ready to go."

Bell has not played in any exhibition games while he continues to recover from off-season surgery on his left ankle. But he was able to practice the last few days, since the team's return from its China trip. The former Michigan State star did not travel to China but stayed back to continue treatment and rehabilitation of his ankle.

"It's still up in the air right now," Skiles said of the backup point role. "Charlie will play in these games (Thursday at Minnesota and Friday at Chicago). We'll get a good look at him out there and play the other two guys, too, and see where we want to go.

"Hopefully by opening night at least we'll have one guy we think is the main backup. It doesn't mean we won't play three (at point guard) in a game, though, either. We might."